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Wealthiest Turkish cities revealed: Istanbul leads with almost $200 billion in deposits

Wealthiest Turkish cities What makes Istanbul, Antalya, and more Türkiye’s richest cities? (Adobe Stock Photo)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Oct 18, 2024 4:20 PM

The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) has published its latest data, listing the cities in Türkiye with the highest deposit amounts.

Leading the list of the wealthiest Turkish cities is Istanbul, with over $199 billion in deposits, followed by Ankara and Izmir.

This ranking reflects the economic powerhouses of Türkiye, each contributing to the country’s wealth through various industries.

Below is a detailed look at the top 10 wealthiest cities and the key factors driving their economic success.

  1. Istanbul: $199.5 billion in deposits
    Istanbul dominates the ranking of the wealthiest Turkish cities as the nation’s financial capital. The city’s wealth is fueled by diverse sectors, including finance, international trade, and tourism. Istanbul is home to the country’s largest banks, multinational corporations, and the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Additionally, tourism plays a huge role, with millions of visitors coming every year.
  2. Ankara: $60 billion in deposits
    The nation’s capital, Ankara, thrives as the political and administrative heart of Türkiye. Besides being the home to governmental institutions, the city has a strong defense industry. It is also emerging as a center for technology and education, contributing to its position as one of the wealthiest Turkish cities.
  3. Izmir: $25 billion in deposits
    Izmir’s strategic location as a port city facilitates its role in international trade. The city’s economy is supported by its manufacturing sectors, including textiles, automotive parts, and food processing. Izmir’s growing tourism industry also plays a role in its economic success among other Turkish cities.
  4. Antalya: $15 billion in deposits
    Known as Türkiye’s tourism capital, Antalya attracts millions of visitors annually to its Mediterranean resorts. The city’s economy revolves around tourism, while agriculture also contributes with citrus and vegetable production.
  5. Bursa: $13 billion in deposits
    Bursa is an industrial hub, particularly known for its automotive and textile industries. The city is home to major automotive manufacturers and plays a key role in exports. Its long-standing silk production also contributes to its wealth.
  6. Kocaeli: $9 billion in deposits
    As Türkiye’s industrial powerhouse, Kocaeli is home to organized industrial zones and industries such as automotive, petrochemicals, and metal production. Its proximity to Istanbul and large ports makes it a vital hub for logistics and trade.
  7. Adana: $7 billion in deposits
    Adana’s wealth is based on its agricultural strength, particularly in cotton and citrus production. The city also has a growing industrial sector, focusing on food processing and textiles.
  8. Mugla: $6 billion in deposits
    Mugla is a major tourist destination, famous for resorts like Bodrum and Marmaris. Its economy relies heavily on tourism, while agriculture, particularly olive oil production, also plays an important role, making it one of the wealthiest Turkish cities.
  9. Konya: $6 billion in deposits
    Konya is an agricultural powerhouse, leading in wheat and sugar beet production. The city is also developing its industrial base, particularly in machinery and automotive parts, driving its economic growth.
  10. Mersin: $6 billion in deposits
    Mersin is a key port city, with a strong economy centered around international trade and logistics. Its free trade zones and export-oriented industries, especially in agriculture and petrochemicals, contribute to its wealth.

This detailed analysis of the top 10 wealthiest Turkish cities reveals how each contributes to the nation’s overall economy through various industries, such as finance, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

While Istanbul leads with a diverse economy driven by finance and international trade, other cities like Antalya and Mugla thrive due to their tourism sectors.

Industrial hubs like Kocaeli and Bursa demonstrate the importance of manufacturing, while agricultural cities such as Konya and Adana highlight Türkiye’s reliance on its fertile lands.

Last Updated:  Oct 18, 2024 4:22 PM